BlackBerry maker refuses to compromise on encryption

Research in Motion has declared it currently implements a global standard which is incompatible with special deals for governmental lawful access requirements

Research in Motion, or RIM, the Canadian producer of BlackBerry smartphones, has declared it currently implements a global standard which is incompatible with special deals for lawful access requirements, daily Milliyet reported Tuesday.

The statement raises the possibility that BlackBerries could be banned in Turkey due to their encrypted email system.

RIM has been ordered to hand its encryption codes over to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority, or BTK, under a new regulation in Turkey. The episode repeats a dispute between the company and a series of governments, including India and the United Arab Emirates, over privacy of information and security concerns.

Turkey may block access to BlackBerry’s e-mail system, the BlackBerry messenger, and its Internet access services if the company does not comply with the order.

BTK President Tayfun Acerer said at a recent press conference that as an executive body and institution it is obliged to enforce the law.

RIM announced in a letter circulated to customers on Aug. 12 that the company will not discuss details concerning different countries’ confidentiality and regulatory issues.